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Duckworth Books snaps up Cooper's 'magisterial' history
Duckworth Books has signed Paul Cooper’s "magisterial" history on the rise and fall of ancient civilisations in Fall of Civilisations: Stories of Greatness and Decline.
Publisher Rowan Cope acquired world English language volume rights, including audio, from Eve White at Eve White Literary Agency. The book will be published in hardback and e-book in spring 2024.
Expanding upon Cooper’s eponymous podcast, the book will look at the empires from Mesopotamia, the Khmer and Vijayanagara in Asia and Songhai in West Africa to the Mayans and Incans. Fall of Civilisations boasts "meticulous research and dazzling, empathetic storytelling", exploring how these societies rose to power and what led to their collapse.
Cooper is also the author of two historical novels – River of Ink (Bloomsbury) and All Our Broken Idols (Bloomsbury) – and has a PhD in the cultural and literary significance of ruins.
He commented: "‘I’m excited to finally bring these stories to life on the page. I was impressed with Duckworth’s vision for the book, their values and their dedication to scholarship. I can’t think of anyone better to do this project justice."
Cope added: "Paul Cooper is both a skilled and meticulous historian and a captivating storyteller, taking us on vivid journeys through these lost worlds. He excels at uncovering surprising details and fresh perspectives, and at digging into the feelings of awe and curiosity we all experience when we encounter ancient ruins."
